'Astonishing Animals' produced by Text Publishing is a rare find in the category of animal books, or indeed science books in general. It is a book that combines carefully collected and presented facts of science gifted K-2 learners will find interesting when paired with eye catching illustrations. The subject matter is guaranteed to appeal to many young people who fit in that 'gifted education' category which causes so many headaches for teachers. It is a book that can be read independently by a fluent and accomplished reader, or would also be suited to small group reading circles or library use. Even the front cover has that 'grab it and read' appeal - always a winner when it comes to capturing the attention of younger readers.
Each page is presented with detailed but concise information about the animal in question, along with intensely detailed illustrations. The animals presented within these pages are 'a triumph of evolutionary change. Together, they represent the outer limits of life's progress.' Form the intriguing Starry Batfish which was first found in 1902 from a depth of 400 meters, to the Bee Hummingbird which weighs a mere two grams, this book is full of animals which most students will never have heard of before. And that, from the point of view of gifted education students, is its appeal.
